Pakistan's Azhar Ali out of first Test against England

Pakistan will have to make do without the services of Azhar Ali for their opening Test match against England in the United Arab Emirates, which gets underway on Tuesday morning.

The 30-year-old batsman has been unable to recover from the toe injury that he suffered against Zimbabwe earlier this month.

"He will not be playing in the first Test," Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam told ESPNcricinfo.

"His wound is almost dried up but he is not comfortable wearing his shoe and didn't take part in training activities since we are here."

It has been suggested that Ali will be replaced at number three by either Ahmed Shehzad or Mohammad Hafeez.